Susan Breslin, Interview by Kieran Taylor, 3 October, 2013
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- Title:
- Susan Breslin, Interview by Kieran Taylor, 3 October, 2013
- Date:
- 2013
- Interviewee:
- Breslin, Susan
- Description:
- Susan Breslin was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. In the summer of 1963, she joined The Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) in Harlem after graduating from the University of Toronto. In recalling her time with the organization, Breslin talks about the intense work she performed with the TV Image Campaign, a movement devised by CORE to force major companies to use integrated advertisement. She also discusses the significance of the August, 1963 March on Washington, stating, “I think everybody who participated in the March on Washington—and they came from everywhere—walked away knowing they were part of something huge.” Breslin’s interview dives into the rich depths of CORE’s history; specifically the evolution of its ideology. Breslin discusses the controversy that bubbled up when some CORE leaders advocated for separation instead of integration, and the resulting break that led her to leave the group in the fall of 1965. Breslin also shares her memories of major historical events such as the funerals of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. She reflects on how her participation in the civil rights movement impacted her personal relationships, discusses the emotional quality of those times, and encourages her audience to find the issue of their time and become involved. Breslin believes, as she says, “Every little step creates controversy, but the controversy does not last. What lasts is the door that has been opened.” Later, Breslin moved to South Carolina, and now resides in Folly Beach, where she continues to be active in local political issues.
- Collection Title:
- The Charleston Oral History Program
- Contributing Institution:
- The Citadel Archives & Museum
- Media Type:
- Oral Histories
- Personal or Corporate Subject:
- Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina
Congress of Racial Equality - Topical Subject:
- Civil rights workers--United States
- S.C. County:
- Charleston County (S.C.)
- Language:
- English
- Shelving Locator:
- A2010.023.14
- Internet Media Type:
- application/pdf;audio/mpeg
- Copyright Status Statement:
- Copyright © The Citadel Archives
- Access Statement:
- All rights reserved.
- Access Information:
- For more information contact The Citadel Archives
- Admin ID:
- 220804
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